Senate OKs bill to give youngsters health insurance

Posted: Friday, March 12, 1999

The Associated Press

AUSTIN (AP) - Many youngsters whose families can't afford private health insurance but aren't poor enough to qualify for Medicaid could get coverage through a new program under a bill approved unanimously Thursday by the Texas Senate.

"They're caught betwixt and between. These families have simply slipped through the cracks, as have their children," said sponsoring Sen. Mike Moncrief, D-Fort Worth.

The bill, which heads to the House for consideration, represents a compromise in efforts to reach uninsured youngsters through the federally initiated Children's Health Insurance Program.

Some lawmakers have sought to qualify youngsters if their parents make up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, while others have advocated a lower level of 150 percent.

The difference for a family of four is an income of $25,200 versus $33,600, Moncrief said.

Under the Senate-approved plan, those from birth through age 10 would be covered at 200 percent of the poverty level. Those 11 through 18 would be covered at the 150 percent level.

There is a provision to increase coverage for older children if enough money is available.

"It's hard to pass those TAAS (Texas Assessment of Academic Skills) tests ... when your ear aches and your teeth hurt, or right now you can't see the blackboard that well," Moncrief said.

The program would cost $153 million in state funds in the next two-year budget period, an amount that would be financed through proceeds from Texas' settlement of its lawsuit against the tobacco industry. It would draw federal matching funds.

Of 1.4 million uninsured children - one-fourth of all Texas youngsters - almost 400,000 could get CHIP coverage in the next four years under the plan, according to Moncrief.

The state also would work to identify youngsters who qualify for but aren't covered by Medicaid.

"Today, the Senate showed that our children do matter more than politics," said Republican Lt. Gov. Rick Perry. "The future of our state depends on a generation of children who are safe, who are healthy and well-educated."

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, said he hopes the bill "will be a beginning and not an end." He said lawmakers should make it a priority to cover all families up to 200 percent of poverty.

The March of Dimes, while applauding the vote, also said it hoped the House could make the program available to even greater numbers of working families.

"We hope the House can find the means to cover all children up to age 19 at the highest level available," said Jennifer Howse, national president of the voluntary health agency that works to prevent birth defects.

Moncrief said after the House passes its version, he expects a final plan to be worked out in a conference committee of senators and House members.

"Obviously I think everyone on this floor would like to go to 200 percent (of poverty) . . . But realistically, I think we also know that we've got to be responsible in how we get there," Moncrief said.